Pakistan to get women’s facilitation centers to improve access to justice

The Chief Justice of Pakistan has directed the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) to commence work on establishing Women Facilitation Centers in four provinces as part of efforts to improve women’s access to the justice system.

The initial phase will see one center established in each province, with plans to extend the initiative to Islamabad. The centers will provide women with guidance, legal assistance and support services in a safe, accessible and dignified environment.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan, in his capacity as Chairman of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, today chaired a meeting at the Supreme Court of Pakistan to review progress on the initiative.

The proposed centers will operate as one-window facilities, bringing together services that women might otherwise have to seek from different offices.

These will include reception and guidance desks, waiting areas, hygienic washrooms, private consultation rooms, legal advice, mediation and alternative dispute resolution facilities.

They will also provide access to psychosocial support and referral services for women facing distress or other vulnerabilities. Accessible entrances, ramps and clear signage are planned to accommodate women with disabilities, while suitable spaces for interaction with children will be provided where required.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Justice recalled that judicial facilitation priorities for 2025–26 had focused on four areas: uninterrupted electricity for courts and Bar associations, e-libraries and internet access, clean drinking water, and facilities for women.

He said these facilities had been provided to courts and Bar associations across the country, including Islamabad.

The establishment of dedicated Women Facilitation Centers in the four provinces and Islamabad has been identified as a priority for 2026–27.

The Chief Justice said the initiative was intended to address practical obstacles that often prevent women from pursuing their legal rights, including unfamiliarity with court procedures, limited privacy and difficulties in obtaining legal advice and support.

An all-Pakistan design competition was organized under the auspices of the Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) to develop suitable designs for the centers.

The three winning designs have been shared with all High Courts to facilitate implementation in line with local requirements.

The meeting noted that consultations with the relevant High Courts had been completed and space identified for the first four centers, one in each province. These centers will constitute the initial phase of the wider initiative.

The Chief Justice directed NESPAK to commence work on the establishment of the centers. NESPAK and the IAP Islamabad–Rawalpindi Chapter will coordinate on design and implementation, in consultation with the relevant High Courts, to ensure timely completion and adherence to the intended functional requirements.